Technical Panda 4x4 Antarctica very low miles, some queries

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Technical Panda 4x4 Antarctica very low miles, some queries

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Hi

got myself a Panda Antarctica in February a '14 plate, it has only done 3500 miles. Been doing some research on this site and have a list of things to get done.

No spare wheel only can of repair stuff, so looking to get a spare, still not sure if I should get space saver or source an alloy and get full size spare although I know it won't fit in boot, on the lookout for a doblo jack kit too.

Brakes are making a noise and can see from reading posts on here that this is a problem with the 4x4. Understand that the caliper dampers help eliminate the noise but doesn't really eliminate the underlying problem. Because the car wasn't used very much maybe the brakes have suffered.

I am considering replacing all pads, discs and calipers with pagid parts, my question is would this resolve the issue for good?

Any info, suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Had read the info in this thread before and there are another few on the same topics. That is where the mention of the damper eliminating the noise but not the problem that causes the noise.
 
Hi

got myself a Panda Antarctica in February a '14 plate, it has only done 3500 miles. Been doing some research on this site and have a list of things to get done.

No spare wheel only can of repair stuff, so looking to get a spare, still not sure if I should get space saver or source an alloy and get full size spare although I know it won't fit in boot, on the lookout for a doblo jack kit too.

Brakes are making a noise
I am considering replacing all pads, discs and calipers with pagid parts, my question is would this resolve the issue for good?

Any info, suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Hi. And welcome :)

Sounds like a great find.

Zero point changing discs..

They are currently 'better than new'


Agreed that it is a sticking issue..

Strip and clean the pads.. then reassemble to ensure there is no drag.

Whittling down SOME of the paint on the pad backing plate might just help.
Letting it move a little easier.

Charlie
 
H...mention of the damper eliminating the noise but not the problem that causes the noise.
The problem is that when the discs are rotated 'backwards' with the brakes lightly applied, a vibration is set up between the fixed and the moving parts of the caliper which makes a sound as it sets up the resonant frequency of the system - a little bit like playing a tune on the rim of a wine glass. The damper adds weight which alters the natural resonant frequency of the system so using the brakes can no longer reach the resonant frequency. The issue affects all the 4x4 Pandas and used to affect the old Panda 100HP too, which used the same rear brakes.

On my 2013 4x43 (which I have since replaced), I had this issue but found that giving the calipers a good squirt with the jet of the hose when washing that car actually would 'cure' the problem for several days (suggesting that a build up of brake dust added to the equation). Eventually, when I replaced the pads at about 30,000 miles (by this time they were heading for 3/4 worn), the new pads I bought had a thin almost rubber-like backing pad on them. Using these solved the problem for the rest of the time I had the car. Personally, I don't like using greases etc on the sliding parts of the calipers and pad mounts as these cause the brake dust to stick and gum up the bits that are supposed to move easily (most car makers build the brakes 'dry' these days for this reason), but a little on the back of the pad will reduce the tendency to make noises (This is not necessary on pads which have a rubberised back or a spring on the back that fits into the calliper piston as those additions are there to prevent noise from being generated)

My new 4x4 had the damper kit already fitted (maybe done at the factory?) when I collected it in August 2018 with just 4miles on it. (built end May 2018, but bought by me as a pre-reg). Now with 11,000 miles on it, not a sound from the rear brakes, so it does seem to work.
 
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...I am considering replacing all pads, discs and calipers...
Before thinking of trying to replace rear discs (which you might need to do in about 40-50,000 miles' time), had a look here: https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/437398-4x4-rear-brake-discs-3.html?p=4377889
For now, just clean, and if necessary, add a small amount of copper grease to backs of the pads (they are very, very easy to remove). The original Fiat pads and discs are very long-lasting - 30,000 miles minimum – so no need (or point) in changing anything for a fair while yet.
 
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When I had my Antarctica the rear brakes howled after a few months, reverse was worse.
I stripped them down, cleaned them and used some brake grease on the sliding pins. They were completely dry.
As these pins are under little rubber gaiters, they shouldn't attract too much dust.

I also filed a small chamfer to the back edge of pads, so it wasn't running the disc up to a straight edge on the pad while reversing.

That seemed to sort it as they were quiet for the next 3 and a half years.

I seem to be suffering the same again with my Abarth, the brake noise is horrendous, much worse than the Panda ever was, screeching, squealing and howling even if I just look at the brake pedal, forward or backward.

There's also a lot of brake dust coming off them, all four wheels get totally caked with the stuff in less than a week. It's so bad I thought they must be binding, but they aren't.
I guess they need a proper strip and clean.
 
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I stripped my rear brakes earlier in the week, because they were screeching while driving along (although silent under braking). The pads were jammed in tight, and took some removing. I cleaned everything up, carefully filed the lip off the discs, copper-greased the back of the pads and the retaining mounts, and put everything back together ... and it's still wailing like a banshee. :confused:
 
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Really appreciate all your replies. Never removed brake pads before to replace or clean but would maybe give it a go if someone was able to show me what to do. I am in the West lothian area of Scotland is there anyone near that has an hour to spare, that could go through the steps with me. Looked at pictures and videos but not really confident. Don't have a problem paying a garage but would like to be able to fix it myself.
 
Hi

Been reading up again on the brake noise and damper kit, and if the damper kit doesn't get fitted under warranty it's £200.

Could someone look at the attached file and tell me if these pads would do the trick seems much better value for a long term real engineering fix.
 

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Sorry to be a pain and ask so many questions, here is a link to the jack kit I was going to purchase

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-2010-MK2-FIAT-DOBLO-PANDA-4X4-JACK-SET/113500977061

seems like the correct one would you all agree.

Finally a steel wheel for my spare

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alcar-st...4x98-for-Fiat-Panda-rims-Genuine/283443457071

Will hopefully manage to do a deal for the couple of continental tyres in the classifieds. One for the steel wheel for my spare and the other as a spare spare.
Like to be covered and prepared :)

Any comments, or recommendations much appreciated, but think i am on the right track.
 
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You could always supply vehicle reg to steel wheel supplier to check okay. Car needs the slightly bigger jack so you're in the right direction with that. Maybe get correct spacesaver tyre size so at least fits in the wheel well. Jack will go in bag and velcro to side of the boot. Said bag will also hold locking wheel nut kit, better than glovebox or door pocket. Assume that was supplied with the car?!
 
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